For Freedom

In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul encourages the church at Galatia to remember that God had set them free to walk in freedom: For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).  The importance of freedom in our lives cannot be over-emphasized.  It's a principle created by God and so important to Him that we see it's presence at the very beginning of humanity in the Garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve were not required anything except to stay stay away from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and even that they were free to disobey if they so chose and we all know how that one worked out (Genesis 2-3).  Despite the fact that it was God's desire for us to be protected from that tree and all the havoc it has wreaked on humankind over the years, freedom is so valuable to Him that He still gave us the opportunity to choose, by placing it in the Garden.  He knew that true love and commitment from His children would only come when we had the freedom to choose to love, obey and serve Him.

Freedom is a litmus test for our heart's desires.  The only way we know that love for anyone or any thing is valid is in the place of being free to choose.  When there is total liberty to do otherwise and we still choose someone or something, it's in that place that love is affirmed.  A slave may do what He's told, but a faithful son or daughter does things to honor their mother and father.  When our hearts are moved to do those things that honor God and are dear to His heart regardless of regulations, this is true commitment, true worship and true love.  Our heavenly father desires great things for us, but He will never take pleasure in us accomplishing or attaining them so long as it's not in true freedom - first from sin, and then from being led by obligations and regulations.  He wants us to choose the life and blessing He has for us, out of a place of pure relationship.

So today, remember, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free so let's walk in it for His glory.

Time for Harvest

As I was thinking about the subject of giving, I remembered a post that I wrote a few years ago entitled Harvest is Coming. In that post I discussed the reality of what the Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 6:7: "God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." The fact that God is truth reassures us that we can trust what he says.  When he declares that he will not be mocked and that we will reap what we sow, he means it.  He is God and there is none who is as just, true, valid, unchanging and faithful as he is.  From the creation of the world (Genesis 1), to the prophesies of Jesus' life, death and resurrection (too many to list :-)), to the great plans he has for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11), not one of His words has ever failed.  With that in mind, remember that we will undoubtedly "reap in due season if we don't lose heart" (Galatians 6:9) as we continue to walk by faith and not by sight 

(2 Corinthians 5:7).

So whether it is your time, your money, a gift, a smile, a hug or any other act of selflessness, be encouraged that you will definitely reap a good harvest on good seed in God's timing.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Consider today how great the gift and opportunity is that we have in Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us that we are able to approach the throne of grace boldly to obtain mercy and then find grace to help in time of need. All because of what? The blood of Jesus. The finished work of the cross enables us to return to the Father’s original plan for us: relationship with Him. Today, you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) regardless of what you may feel like. You are the righteousness of God through the work of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) no matter what mistakes you may have made. You are Christ’s ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) calling the world to be reconciled to Him, even if you don’t think you have much to say. Today, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). In everything, remember that God has made a way for us to return to Him and to tell others the same great news.

So each and everyday, I encourage you to go in the grace of God, fulfilling all that He has planned for you as you walk with Him. We've only got one life to live here on Earth, so let's embrace the opportunity of a lifetime.

Worship and Relationship

Today I was thinking about the reality of what we as a team of worship leaders do in the body of Christ, and it struck me like it never has before. We help to build relationship - first with God and then with each other. As we come before the Father each and every time, it's to express our love using our music and other artistic giftings, and to call others to do the same. This is an incredible opportunity to be an example of what Jesus said were the two great commandments in Matthew 22: to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul and strength and then to love your neighbor as yourself. As we come to the Father in corporate worship to pour out our love for Him with authenticity and accuracy, we bring a display of worship that He loves to inhabit (Psalm 22:3). At the same time, we simultaneously are calling our brothers and sisters to do the same. Through this act, we show our love for our 'neighbors' by not leaving them out as we express a sincere desire for them to attain one of God's heart cries for us: unbroken fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ. What we are saying as we lead others in worship, is 'you are important enough to God and us, that we want you to join us in fulfilling one of the great purposes of our lives: glorifying the God of all creation.'

So the next time you step up to lead worship, whether you sing, play or dance, bear in mind that you should be declaring your undying love and commitment to our Father, as well as your love and concern for your fellow brothers and sisters. Let's passionately keep worship and relationship intimately tied as we express our love for the Father and call others to do the same.